Carrying an Extra Rod

I like carrying two rods. I will usually carry one that is stiffer (RFI about 7.5) and one that is slower (RFI about 3.8-5.5). Although I usually carry two rods of equal length, I will on occasion vary the lengths of the rods. Generally however, the rods will be the same or nearly the same length but have differing actions. If the wind is blowing, I use the stiffer rod. If the air is calm I use the slower rod.

There are a couple different ways to carry an extra rod. I'm sure you know how you prefer to carry your rods, but my way varies on what I will be doing. If I'm hiking into a stream I use a Zimmerbuilt Tailwater pack. It has two sleeves and therefore conveniently carries two rods.

My Tailwater pack loaded with waders and all.

If I'm going to be bushwacking, especially through heavy willow or dogwood thickets, then I use a TrailLite Design Ebira Plus or Guide quiver.  I have found this to be the most effective and reliable way to ensure that my rods will not be pulled out when bullying my way through heavy thickets.

Ebira Plus quiver. 

But when I am doing neither of these activities I'll use a Tenkara Centre UK rod holder.

This little rod holder is a simple design that hangs off your belt. It is made of nylon webbing material and attaches to your belt with a small carabiner.  The rod butt slides into an elastic sleeve and the rod is secured with a hook and loop straps. It's simple, but it works. I replaced the provided carabiner with a larger one, as I found the original to be too small for attaching to my belt.

Provided carabiner

Elastic sleeve for the rod butt

Hook and loop straps

As far as functionality this simple holders works for most rods. If the extra rod carried is longer than 26 inches, then it may not hang vertically due to more of the rod being over the center of gravity or balance point. Mostly this is not an issue however.

With a Daiwa LT36SF -- a short, compact tenara rod.

With a Nissin ZeroSum 360 7:3 -- a longer, or more usual length, tenkara rod.

The holder works with tenkara, keiryu and seiryu rods. If the rod is very thin, like my Kiyotaki 24, then I use an extra loop of paracord as a safety noose --  I have had smaller rods get pulled out of the holder by branches.

Here is my usual backup rod for small streams -- Shimano Kozuka 33NT keiryu rod. Also, there is my replacement carabiner.

Here's the rod holder on me. It's out of the way and convenient to use.

I like this rod holder for casual use on streams that are easy to get to and are not likely to have a lot of rod snagging branches. It's inexpensive and functional.

If you also carry an extra rod, and want a simple way to carry it, consider the Tenkara Centre UK rod holder.